Protection Orders in Colorado

About Domestic Violence Restraining Orders

When police respond to a domestic violence complaint from a victim or a
neighbor, they will nearly always make an arrest. In routine cases, the
alleged perpetrator will be released from jail within a day or so, but
he or she will also be served with a restraining order that prohibits
them from coming into contact with the victim, from coming within the
vicinity of the victim, and from going anywhere that the victim can be
expected to be found. This is not, however, the only way to obtain an
order of protection. It is also possible to go to court with a petition
for a civil order of protection.

What can a no-contact order do?

In order to secure a no-contact order, you will have to demonstrate that
you have been the victim of some form of domestic violence. This can include
threats of violence, sexual abuse against you or your
children, stalking, harassment, and any form of physical assault. It also includes
false imprisonment, which consists of restraining or preventing you from
leaving the home.

The order has wide and sweeping powers to protect you against further
domestic abuse, including:

Giving you temporary possession of the home, regardless of whose name is
on the lease or deed

And even possibly prohibiting the abuser from owning or possessing a gun

In the event that the abuser violates the order in any way, he or she may
be arrested on charges of contempt of court, fined $5,000, and sent to
jail for up to 18 months. Our family law firm provides representation
for individuals who wish to file protection orders or need help enforcing them.

Modification and Dismissal of Protection Orders

Both restrained and protected parties can file motions to modify or dismiss
protection orders in Colorado. According to the Judicial Branch of the
State of Colorado, there are general guidelines and qualifications that
must be met before a modification can be requested.

Information for Restrained Persons:

Motion to modify or dismiss cannot be filed less than two years after an
issuance of a permanent protection order.

Any additional felony or misdemeanor convictions against the protected
person after the permanent protection order has been filed can disqualify
you from filing this motion.

Before filing a motion, the restrained person must submit to a fingerprint-based
background check (not more than 90 days before filing this motion).

Burden of proof is on the restrained person to prove that a modification
or dismissal is appropriate.

Restrained persons who wish to file modification or dismissal forms must
abide by the guidelines set forth in the Colorado Revised Statutes §
13-14-108.

Information for Protected Persons:

Protected persons can file these motions with the court at any time, and
can petition to modify either temporary or permanent protection orders.

Protected persons are encouraged to look into any offenses the restrained
person has been convicted of since the issuance of the order.

Whether you have filed for a protection order in the past or you are the
recipient of a protection order, the Colorado Springs divorce attorneys
at Clawson & Clawson, LLP are here to provide the legal counsel you need.

Contact a Colorado Springs Divorce Lawyer to Learn More

Our attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience and we are
ready to put your skill and dedication to work for you in your pursuit
of the peace and security you deserve. We can represent you in court when
petitioning for an
ex parte protection order, and it is not necessary for the abuser to be present
at the hearing. If you want to get a permanent order of protection, then
the abuser will have the opportunity to contest the order at a full hearing,
but we can prepare the case to fight to protect your safety.

If you live in Colorado Springs, Denver, Parker, or Pueblo and want to
take action toward obtaining an order of protection, then
contact a divorce attorney at Clawson & Clawson, LLP for help.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.